Back when I was a kid I fell for the advertisement for Sea Monkeys. A Bowl Full of Happiness! Instant Pets! Trainable! Well crap, what a disappointment for a 8 year old kid who saved up his money only to get a bunch of crummy brine shrimp eggs.. Suffice it to say they were impossible to train, they didn’t do tricks, they weren’t even cute.

Today’s kids are luckier now that Birch Aquarium has reopened their Seahorse Tours for 2021. Seahorses are so cute they look fake and right now you can do a Behind the Scenes Sea Horse tour at Birch Aquarium, one of San Diego’s best attractions. Birch Aquarium is spot on in their quest to protect sea wildlife and educate in a way that’s accessible to all ages. And does it get any cuter than a baby seahorse? That’s not really even a question. Of course there’s nothing cuter. Not even a Sea Monkey.

The Perfect family adventure!

So just in time for winter break, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is relaunching its popular Behind-the-Scenes Seahorse Tours on Dec. 21. 

The one-hour-long private tour, led by an expert ocean educator, takes groups of up to six people behind the scenes to explore the fascinating world of seahorses. Guests will get a glimpse of seahorse babies, learn about Birch Aquarium’s renowned breeding program, and experience what it takes to care for these unique fish — including an opportunity to feed them.  Whoa, feed the seahorses? Do they eat, you know, brine shrimp? Take that, Sea Monkeys!

“We are thrilled to be bringing behind-the-scenes tours back for our guests to enjoy,” said Director of Education Megan Malaska Medley. “We have revamped the tours of the past to make them a fun, safe and educational experience for guests.” 

Behind-the-Scenes Seahorse Tours take place daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are limited to one group of six people from the same family group or pod. The cost includes up to six people and is $250 for the general public/$225 members. Aquarium admission is separate and is $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 3-17 and free for aquarium members. 

Space is limited and it is anticipated that tours will sell out. Guests can check availability and book online in advance through Birch Aquarium’s webstore.  Photography is not permitted in the seahorse breeding areas but that just means you get to live in the NOW, and take home incredible memories of an incredible experrience.

As with all Birch Aquarium programs and events, safety is a top priority. Participants must be 8 years old or older, and minors must be accompanied by a paid adult. Closed-toed shoes are required on the tour and face coverings must be worn indoors and out regardless of vaccination status.

As if that wasn’t enough. behind the scenes penguin tours will also be available when Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins open. Penguins and Seahorses, the only thing that could make this better would be actual sea monkeys that lived up to the comic book claims of my youth.